With a career dedicated to education and school leadership, Déspina Sarioglou joins Beyond International School to lead our learning community towards new horizons.

Her professional journey began with a solid foundation in Fine Arts and Education, complemented by a Master’s degree in Mathematics, School Management, and Leadership. Over the course of 25 years of experience, she has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to academic excellence and the holistic development of students.

Déspina firmly believes that transparency, respect, and collaboration are fundamental pillars for building a positive and inclusive school culture and climate. She leads by example, fostering an environment where every member of the community feels valued and encouraged to contribute to collective success.

At Beyond, she shares our vision of offering meaningful learning experiences that extend beyond the classroom. She is deeply committed to cultivating essential skills such as curiosity, compassion, responsibility, kindness, and resilience—preparing students to face the world’s challenges with confidence and purpose.

As Principal of Beyond International School from September 2025, she is excited to welcome families to a place that is more than just a school—it is a warm, joyful community where children are inspired, supported, and encouraged to grow beyond their own limits.

Miss Joana Pinote is an inspiring personality, bringing a wealth of international experience and a unique outlook to her role.
A devoted mother of an 8-year-old girl and a 6-year-old boy, Miss Pinote’s journey in education is driven by her deep commitment to nurturing young minds and creating a welcoming, inspiring environment for all.
Having lived in Madrid, where she studied Communication and Journalism, Miss Pinote developed a strong multicultural perspective that continues to shape her approach to education. With a solid academic foundation in Social, Cultural, and Organisational Communication, complemented by a Master’s degree in Communication and Leadership in Organisations, she possesses the expertise and insight to navigate the evolving landscape of education with energy and passion.
With over 20 years of experience in customer service, public relations, and team leadership, Miss Pinote has proven her ability to build meaningful relationships and manage diverse, multicultural teams. In her previous role as Head of Recruitment and HR at a leading education company in the Middle East, she successfully led the recruitment of over 500 teachers from around the world to work in the United Arab Emirates, demonstrating her unwavering commitment to fostering diversity and excellence in education.
Now, as Head of Admissions and People at Beyond International School, Miss Pinote is dedicated to creating a vibrant, supportive environment where families, students, and staff can flourish. She firmly believes that schools are the passport to the future, the place where dreams are nurtured, and the foundation upon which success is built.

Michaela Horvathova is a co-founder, board member, and Chief Education Officer at Beyond Education. She is an international education policy expert, specialising in shaping the future of education and skills within the context of the digital age. With a rich background as a policy analyst at the OECD and consultancy roles with UNICEF, International Baccalaureate, and various public, private, and non-profit sector entities, she possesses extensive experience and a deep understanding of global education systems and key trends. Additionally, she has served as an Advisor to the Prime Minister of the Slovak Republic, offering critical guidance on primary and secondary education reform. In her role as a Researcher at the Center for Curriculum Redesign, she led projects aimed at redefining education for the 21st century with a global impact. She holds a Master’s Degree in International Education Policy from Harvard University.

Luis Felipe Martinez has taught at both the elementary and graduate levels in Colombia and the United States. His work spans curriculum development with an emphasis on 21st-century skills and research for institutions such as the World Bank and Project Zero at Harvard University.

Luis Felipe will be Head of Social Emotional Learning and the Be Hour, in collaboration with Beyond Education, to enhance, adapt, and assess socio-emotional learning initiatives, with the goal to foster well-being and academic success of students.

Luis Felipe Martínez holds a Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, USA, focusing on the playful development of socio-emotional skills. He holds an Master’s degree in International Education Policy from Harvard University and a background in Economics.